Dravid inspires MCC victory
Published: 21 March 2013

Rahul Dravid struck an unbeaten 68 as MCC strolled to a 10-wicket victory over a Fly Emirates XI in the opening match of their Emirates Airline Twenty20 campaign at 7he Sevens Ground, Dubai.

India legend Dravid and Hampshire skipper Jimmy Adams made light work of the chase, cantering to the required 107 in just fourteen overs.

Dravid, who retired from international cricket in 2012, provided a batting masterclass for the passionate local fans to enjoy, as he struck a classy 68 not out from just 43 balls.

Dale Benkenstein's MCC were earlier inserted by the Fly Emirates XI, but quickly reduced the home side to 14/3 thanks to the opening pair of Somerset’s Peter Trego and Oxford MCC Universities seamer Charlie Ellison.

Ellison was a late call-up to the MCC squad following a string of good performances for the combined MCCU side who are also currently in the UAE on a joint pre-season training tour with the MCC Young Cricketers. And the young fast bowler looked particularly threatening with the new ball, returning figures of 2-13 from his four overs.

The introduction of spin in the form of Middlesex’s Dawid Malan and Northamptonshire’s James Middlebrook continued to peg-back the scoring rate, before captain Benkenstein took two quick wickets with his medium-pace in the final few overs to help restrict the Fly Emirates XI to 106 for 8.

Another youngster given an opportunity in the MCC side, Leeds/Bradford MCCU spinner Alex MacQueen, also bowled with great guile and control at the death, while all the MCC players fielded sharply, contributing to two run outs during the innings.

MCC never looked in any trouble in response, with Dravid playing himself nicely into form ahead of tomorrow's semi-final against Sussex on Friday 22 March. The final will take place later that day.